Luyi and Mike's Engagements

Luyi and Mike are inseparable. They are a couple that once you met for the first time, you understand how they became one in the first place. 

I was asked to photograph their engagements, and Rochelle and I are good friends of them, and were honored to be guests at their wedding, as opposed to the role of photographers we usually take. I started the session at two local creeks in Richardson: Duck Creek and Prairie Creek, then finished the engagements at the Dallas Arboretum.

I brought them over to a small field that was surrounded by some trees:

Then moved them over to the small crossover bridge, where there were some rocks you could step on:

Further down the creek, I had Mike sit down with Luyi's head on his lap, for a closer headshot of her:

Here's one of the first verticals I shot of them, towards the end of the shoot for Duck Creek at a nearby fence:

A detail of where Mike volunteered as a firefighter, and Luyi's Alma Mater:

Mike is also in the Navy, and they have plans to move to Seattle in the future (don't forget us little people!), and wearing military attire was present during the shoot. We took these at Prairie creek, which had a waterfall as well:

Another detail, this time of the ring with the caduceus insignia:

And then a tighter shot of Mike holding his bride-to-be:

When we arrived at the Dallas Arboretum, I started them at the Crape Myrtle Allee:

Then slowly made our way through the gardens pretty early on:

At this point, there was less directing on my part and more candid interaction on theirs. This is a point I make sure to bring up with couples who are uncertain of how a photoshoot will go - where I will remind them that towards the second half of the shoot I will be involved in directing less, since the couple naturally interact more:

This was a spot they picked, and I just started snapping away:

A little bit of Texas flair:

And closing with a detail of the ring, holding pinky fingers:

Luyi, Mike, next year can't come any quicker!

Rasy Ran Photography

Thomas and Lily's Wedding

I have known Thomas and Lily since high school, and to see them together on their wedding day was nothing short of spectacular. You may remember them from their engagement session here. They had a wedding ceremony in Vietnam earlier this year, and celebrated with just a reception at Caravelle in Richardson.

I spent a little time with them as the two got ready in their home. Here, Thomas socializes on the phone, and helps a groomsman get ready:




A collage of photos hang on the wall as Mason, Thomas' nephew, gazes at the camera:


And then gets help with putting on his wedding attire from a groomsman:


The bridesmaids' bouquets lay strewn on the table:


Lily puts on jewelry for her big day, which are given by Thomas' family. This Vietnamese custom is seen as a sign of wealth that his family will bring to hers:




We made a trip to Prairie Creek in Richardson to photograph a few formals, and I have to thank everyone especially for braving the summer heat!:




Thomas helps Lily down as they arrive at the restaurant - and are introduced as "the best couple of the night":






The couple took the stage and thanked everyone for attending:


Next, they are told to show their love to the world, by performing a kiss while spinning:


After everyone settled down after dinner, it's a cultural custom for the bride, groom, and their parents to toast at each table - but food can be involved too!:


Some of the little details that caught my eye:


The two then cut their cake, which sat in the middle of the stage for all to view:


As was as the toast:


And then they jumped into their first dance with a slow song:





The dance floor lit up throughout the whole night:



It was a fantastic wedding, and I'm very glad I was able to be there.
Congratulations, and cheers to your new life, Thomas and Lily!

Rasy Ran Photography